Who Is Yoenis Cespedes? 5 Facts You Didn’t Know About The A’s Outfielder

It’s the out seen around the world. Tuesday night, Yoenis Cespedes of the Oakland A’s made a bad play when the Angels’ Mike Trout ripped a double to left field. But boy, did he make up for it. Cespedes nailed Howie Kendrick at home from 300 plus feet away with one of the most impressive throws you’ve ever seen.

Now, he’s the name on every sports announcer’s lips but what do you really know about this Cuban powerhouse center fielder with an amazing arm?

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Here are a few facts:

1. It’s in his blood.

His Mother Estela Milanes was a softball pitcher for Cuba in the 2000 Summer Olympic Games. His father was a catcher for the Cuban League.

2. He’s A Survivor

He defected from Cuba to the Dominican Republic with ten family members.

3. He’s An Internet Sensation

Cespedes’ handlers released a marketing video of Cespedes training and working-out when he was trying to get picked up by the MLB. It’s so over-the-top, it went viral.

Check it out:

4. He Has A Nickname

In Cuba they called him “El Talento Or La Potencia” which translates to Talent Or Power.

5. He’s One Of A Kind

Cespedes won the 2013 Home Run Derby beating out Bryce Harper of the Nationals. He was the first player to win who wasn’t actually chosen for his league’s All-Star Team.